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To make a great Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - Fresh lemon slices for garnish These ingredients work well together. The shrimp brings a sweet taste, while the lemon adds a bright zing. Garlic gives it a rich flavor, and butter makes it creamy. You can add a few optional ingredients to boost the flavor. Consider these: - White wine for a touch of acidity - Parmesan cheese for a savory finish - Fresh basil or oregano for an herb twist These can elevate your dish and make it more special. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home. If you have dietary needs, there are easy swaps. For gluten-free meals, use gluten-free pasta. If you don’t eat shrimp, try chicken or tofu. You can also use plant-based butter if you want a vegan option. Always check the labels when you substitute. This ensures you keep your meal safe and enjoyable. For the full recipe, visit the link provided. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to make it tasty. When the water bubbles, add the linguine or spaghetti. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but check the package for exact times. Once cooked, save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside. In a big skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Wait for the butter to melt. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook this mix for about one minute. It will smell amazing! Next, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. You want the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. This step brings out their sweet flavor. Now it’s time to add the lemon! Pour in the lemon juice and add the zest. If it looks too dry, add some pasta water until it feels just right. Toss in the cooked pasta gently. Make sure everything mixes evenly. Finally, stir in chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Taste it and add more salt and pepper if needed. For the full recipe, you can check the previous section. To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean, not fishy. Heat your skillet to medium-high. Add olive oil and butter until they bubble. Place shrimp in a single layer. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes. They turn pink when done. Remove from heat right away to avoid overcooking. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. To enhance the flavor of your shrimp scampi, use fresh garlic and lemon. These ingredients bring a bright taste. Add red pepper flakes for a little heat. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch too. It gives a pop of color and freshness to your dish. Don't forget to reserve some pasta water. Adding it helps create a silky sauce. You don’t need much to make this dish. A large skillet works best for cooking shrimp. A pot for boiling pasta is essential. Use a wooden spoon for mixing. A colander helps drain the pasta easily. A microplane zester makes zesting lemons quick. Lastly, a good chef's knife is key for chopping garlic and parsley. You can find the full recipe for a step-by-step guide to make this dish even easier! {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for other seafood. Scallops are a great choice. They cook quickly and taste sweet. You might try crab meat for a rich flavor. If you like fish, use firm white fish. Cod or halibut will work well. Just remember to adjust cooking times. For a vegetarian version, use mixed veggies instead of shrimp. Broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini will add color. If you want a vegan dish, replace butter with plant-based butter. Use vegetable broth for a flavorful base. You can also add chickpeas for protein. This way, you keep it hearty and satisfying. While linguine is classic, feel free to experiment with pasta. Spaghetti is another popular choice. You can also try penne or farfalle for fun shapes. If you're gluten-free, use rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. Each type of pasta will give a unique twist to your dish. After enjoying your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, let it cool for a bit. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two days. Make sure to seal it well. This helps keep the shrimp fresh and tasty. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of butter. This keeps the shrimp from drying out. Stir gently until it warms up. You can also use the microwave. If you choose this, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, your meal stays juicy and flavorful. If you want to save it for later, freezing is an option. First, cool the dish completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the skillet method for the best flavor. Enjoy your meal with minimal fuss later! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. You can serve Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic Bread: This classic side soaks up the sauce well. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. - Rice: A light, fluffy rice can soak up the flavors too. - Vegetables: Steamed or roasted veggies make a colorful plate. To spice up your dish, add more red pepper flakes. Start with 1 teaspoon instead of 1/2 teaspoon. You can also add fresh chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper. Mix them in when you sauté the garlic for the best flavor. Adjust to your heat level. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. This saves time and still gives you tasty shrimp. To make a creamy sauce, add heavy cream to the skillet after cooking the shrimp. Start with 1/4 cup and stir it in well. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter option. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Lemon garlic shrimp scampi is a dish full of flavor and appeal. We explored essential and optional ingredients to boost taste. The step-by-step guide makes cooking easy and fun. I shared tips on cooking shrimp perfectly and ways to adapt the recipe. You can store and reheat leftovers like a pro. This dish fits many palates, whether you love seafood or not. Now, enjoy your scampi with friends or family, and get creative with the flavors!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? Try this Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi! With juicy shrimp, zesty lemon, and a hint of spice, this dish is perfect for any night of the week. Learn how to make it in just 25 minutes with our easy recipe. Plus, it’s beautifully paired with pasta for a satisfying meal.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

Fresh lemon slices for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine (or spaghetti) according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sauté Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.

      Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

        Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. If the mixture seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.

          Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing gently to combine everything evenly. Stir in the fresh parsley, mixing well. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

            Serve: Divide the shrimp scampi among serving plates and garnish with fresh lemon slices and extra parsley as desired.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4